I have always been obsessed with art, and the idea of being unique and different. Tattoos and a alternative life style is the best way to combined the two. When I got into high school I was always drawing during class. Most of the time it was tattoo designs for older kids. I was always going to tattoo shops before I was 18 to see if any shop would let my parents sign for me to get one. Luckily there were no shops around my area that did that legally. Which also gave me more time to think about what I really wanted. I worked a lot of hard labor jobs that had nothing to do with art, I always thought that I would be stuck doing that for the rest of my life. I had no real drive to chase something that had to do with art at first. The more tattoos that I drew for my friends the more they pushed me into learning the art of tattooing. If it was not for my friends I probably would not have thought I could do it!! Thanks idiots! Hahaha

Where did you apprentice?

I apprenticed at Scorpion Tattooing in Derry, NH and I continue to work there. We have a great atmosphere and a top of the line shop.

Do you have any special training?

When I was in elementary school my dad would buy me Marvel comic cards and comic books. I would bring them to my room and sit for hours trying my best to learn to draw one picture at a time. I got a kick out of going to school and bragging about being able to draw the characters, and having kids not believe me then prove them wrong! My parents saw something special in my skill at a young age and put me in art classes at an art gallery in Manchester NH. I felt special sitting in art classes with kids a lot older then me. I felt such a strong drive to get better being around other kids doing bigger and better things. I continue the same approach now with my art. Other than that I just took art classes in high school the rest has been self taught and referencing other great artists.

What conventions have you worked at? Have you won any awards?

For the past 3 years I have been working the Live Free or Die tattoo convention in Manchester NH. I have never entered my work for judging at LFOD. This past August I worked the Painful Pleasures convention in Maine. I entered a best portrait competition and took first place, I also won first place for tattoo of the day. I hope to do more conventions this year like New York, Maine, PA and maybe more .

How do you describe your style?

I would probably describe my style as progressive, meaning I am always changing and morphing my art based on what is inspiring me. I started with a really bright cartoony style early in my tattooing. I have pushed more into a color realistic aspect of art lately. I have been getting a lot of fulfillment out of where my art is headed in that style. I also love black and grey, although my portfolio is mostly color, I would love the opportunity to do more.

What inspires you as an artist?

Art inspires me in a huge way, when I am not creating art I am constantly searching to be inspired by it. Artists from around the world not only in tattooing but all mediums inspire me. Life inspires my art as well, like I said I have been picking apart color realism lately. Everyday life brings new colors and textures. My girlfriend and one year old daughter are a huge inspiration to me to do bigger and better things for them. I love you guys!

What other mediums do you work in?

I have always done a lot of pen and ink or colored pencil, with a big background in graphic art and photoshop work. This past year I started working more in acrylic paint and graphic style markers, also I am itching to get started in oil paints. I have heard oil is awesome for getting a really soft look to your paintings, which is why I have been working my acrylic painting as soft as possible before trying oil out.

What tattoo artists do you admire most?

The list goes on and on. It is far too hard for me to narrow down one artist who I admire, there are so many great artists out there. I respect and admire the artists pushing not only themselves but other artists to do the best art that they can. I admire the tattoo artists that no matter what level they have gotten to they remember where they started. Those who inspire and educate others are signs of a true artist and thats how the industry should be.

What tattoos do you look forward to doing?

I look forward to doing more portrait style realism pieces. Animals, people, and objects that I can manipulate into a great piece of art with a lot of bright abstract colors would get me amped! I look forward to every new day in the tattoo industry, I learn and get so much out of every new piece because everyday brings something new and exciting.

Have you tattooed any celebrities?

I have yet to tattoo a celebrity. If I had my pick it would probably be a member of a band that I’m into. I’m digging the bands Sleeping with Sirens, Jonny Craig, Our Last Night and Four Year Strong at the moment, I would be pretty pumped to lace one of them up with some ink.

Before someone gets a tattoo what advice do you give them?

Make sure you do your research, so you know that what your getting is what you truly want. Before coming in to get the tattoo drink plenty of water the day before and the day of the tattoo also make sure you have food in you. Sometimes the long sessions on an empty stomach can really pull all the energy right out of someone.

Is there a tattoo that you haven’t done yet that you are dying to do?

I really was dying to do a David Bowie portrait from the movie Labyrinth that I actually had a chance to do. I also would love the chance to do a realistic style bright colored female eye, with big lashes and bright eye make up.